Jake Berry
THE last few months have been different and difficult in so many ways but I’m hopeful that we are now through the worst of this pandemic.
The coming months will be crucial which is why it’s vital that we all continue to stay alert so that we can control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
We have all had to adapt to new ways of living and working since lockdown was introduced and MPs are no exception.
I have continued with my Parliamentary duties throughout the crisis, helping people and businesses who have been in touch for help, support or guidance, as well as raising their issues directly with Government Ministers, albeit virtually, in the House of
Commons.
I’ve also been holding my regular weekly advice surgeries, although these have, for obvious reasons, moved to online or by telephone.
Since lockdown started, I’ve dealt with over 5,400 emails and phone calls from local people who needed help, support and advice. Many of these cases have been difficult, distressing and complicated but it’s been very gratifying to be able to have helped so many people.
Now that the lockdown has started to ease, it’s been great to get back out and about (observing social distancing) across Rossendale and speak with ‘real’ people face to face - it’s an experience which never fails to surprise!
It’s very easy to look at social media and see the distortion and antiGovernment rage, and easily misinterpret it as real. I’ll be honest: I was more than a little worried about what I would hear when I spoke with independent retailers, whose entire livelihoods had been placed at real risk as a result of a virus that is – at the end of the day – no one’s fault.
Of course, as I should know only too well by now, social media isn’t the real world, and the comments I met with, whether they were from traders on Bank Street, coffee shops in Bacup or engineering firms in Waterfoot, were in no way representative of what Twitter or Facebook tell me that it is like.
I heard shopkeepers telling me of brisk trade; again and again independent retailers talked about cautious optimism for the sector – “shop local” seems to be resonating clearly.
Above all there is a real gratitude that a Government, which by no means has been perfect, has supported them through the darkest of times.
A Government responding to the greatest threat of our generation had given them the hope that they can return. The Chancellor’s promise to do whatever it takes had stuck with them and had really meant something.
There’s still many issues to be ironed out; why, for example, are hairdressers allowed to re-open on 4th July but not beauty clinics? I visited Polished Beauty Clinic in Rawtenstall to talk to them about their concerns and see first-hand the incredible work they have put in to make sure that they can re-open safely and I’ll be raising their concerns with the relevant
Ministers for them.
Finally, I’ve been working with Rossendale Borough Council to support their plans for an £11 million bid to radically improve the centre of Bacup.
This latest bid is a really exciting opportunity to bring together all the work that has been done over many years and is an opportunity to take the town to the next stage of where we want Bacup to be in the next 15 years and I’ll be doing everything I can to help it succeed.
Although my Constituency office on
Kay Street, Rawtenstall is still closed for drop in appointments I’m happy to arrange socially distanced visits to discuss any concerns you may have or telephone advice surgery appointments.
If you need my help or want to let me know about an issue or problem. please get in touch either by phoning 01706 215547 or email me at jake.berry. mp@parliament.uk and I will do my very best to help.